Softball coach expects big hits

by Bill Bender
Staff Writer

Ohio softball coach Roanna Brazier enters her fifth season at the helm for the Bobcats. The Ohio softball team begins its season Feb.16 at the Triangle Classic in Raleigh, N.C. The Bobcats are looking to improve on last season’s 18-28 mark. The Post’s Bill Bender sat down with Brazier to discuss the Bobcats' hopes for a Mid-American Conference title.

THE POST: One key loss for the team is four-year starter Jen Sewell. Who is going to step up and take the leadership position on this year’s team left by the former catcher?

Brazier: We have a few people who are going to step up. Our three captains, Tiffany Bolton, Kasey Dowd and Stephanie Stapleton, have done an excellent job so far. All three are vocal, and they are good off the field. They practice what they preach.

THE POST: Kasey Dowd returns to anchor a solid pitching staff. What expectations do you have for the team’s pitching?

Brazier: We have four very strong pitchers who should give us great innings. Kasey takes up the leadership position, while Heather Hagen returns. We have a junior college transfer in Valerie Wood, who throws some heat. Kristie Howe gives us a screwball pitcher to round out the staff.

THE POST: MAC freshman of the year Kelli Bankert returns at third base. She led the MAC in triples last season. What can she do as an encore performance?

Brazier: I’ll tell you what; defensively she’s a lot better. She’s quicker and has a lot more range. She’s made some improvements in the off season that should help her on the field.

THE POST: Once again, the off-season schedule is tough. How does the early start help the team gear up for the MAC schedule?

Brazier: The weather has been nice. We’re in so much better shape then we were last season. With the indoor facility we’ve been able to hit and pitch live since January. Our pitching is stronger, and overall we’re a better team defensively.

THE POST: Randi Rico and Shannon Pereira give the outfield some speed. How is the team going to utilize speed on the base paths this season?

Brazier: Last year we didn’t have a team full of speedsters, but we stole a lot more bases then I thought we should have. We have the addition of two freshmen, Melissa Dela Rosa and Sarah Melvin, who should give us more speed. We have a great bench, and I plan to use it to the max for pinch running.